Finally, a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Houston! (And a Giveaway!)

Once I figured out what type of running shoe I need (cushioned neutral), I would go to Dick’s Sporting Goods to try on a few well-researched pairs and buy one. When I moved to the Houston area, I was immediately struck by the lack of a nearby Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Hello yourself, Dick’s Sporting Goods!

Well, we finally got one last weekend, and it coincided perfectly with my need for new running shoes. Seriously, my Asics Gel-Nimbus 17s are wearing out horribly after barely 200 miles. I checked a few websites for comparable shoes, then headed over to Dick’s Sporting Goods next to the Baybrook Mall for the grand opening weekend.

First of all, a quick note: this Dick’s Sporting Goods is huge (YUUGE?). The company’s sister stores, Golf Galaxy (self-explanatory) and Field & Stream (for hunting and fishing enthusiasts), are connected, so it’s a giant sporting goods one-stop shop. I stuck mainly to the Dick’s Sporting Goods portion, which is impressive in its own right.

Time for My New Running Shoes

After I got Lance Berkman’s autograph (and in classic Christine fashion, was so shy that I skittered away immediately afterward), I made a beeline to the shoe wall. Dick’s Sporting Goods thoughtfully sorts the running shoes by neutral and stability, and also kindly leaves Nike to its own wall (more on that in a minute). I was able to quickly locate the Asics Gel-Nimbus 18s I wanted to try, although I was skeptical about buying another pair of Asics after the sad state of my 17s. I also grabbed a pair of Brooks Glycerin 14s, which my research had turned up as great alternate shoes. The store associate, despite the opening weekend chaos, quickly brought me my shoes.

Shoooooooeeeeess!

Now, unlike some other big box stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods also has a treadmill. It’s for gait analysis, but another store associate was happy to get me the key to it so I could test out my shoes. (And he had no idea that I’m a blogger, so props to him for being so accommodating!) He watched me run and agreed that I seemed happier in the Brooks Glycerin 14s, so they came home with me.

Sidetracked by Shiny Objects (Clothes)

But wait! While I had been waiting in line for Mr. Berkman’s autograph, I had also spied the Calia by Carrie Underwood line. I haven’t had the opportunity to try it, and I saw some really cute leggings. Plus I needed a new sports bra, and a tank. I ended up leaving with a pair of purple Calia by Carrie Underwood leggings that will get plenty of use at yoga, barbell, and maybe even as part of my new “leggings as pants” lifestyle. (I also got a Reebok sports bra and an Under Armour tank.)

Here’s where Dick’s Sporting Goods has room for improvement: Nike. As in, there is entirely too much space devoted to Nike, and not nearly enough for brands that a certain other large sporting goods store down Gulf Freeway doesn’t carry. I saw a few Lorna Jane and Lucy pieces, and a couple other pieces from niche brands. There were a couple pairs of Reebok training shoes. There was zero CrossFit merchandise (at least, not for women). Now, we all know we can get Nike anywhere. So less Nike merchandise (less, not completely eliminated) and more of the brands we can’t get anywhere else would be a great selling point for Dick’s Sporting Goods.

I might need more Calia by Carrie Underwood in my life.

That said, I’m really happy to have more choices around here, especially since Dick’s Sporting Goods is so well-organized and expansive.

And, a Giveaway!

If you’ve read this far, you deserve a little something. So here’s your chance! Dick’s Sporting Goods is letting me give away two (2) $50 gift cards! You can enter to win one and check out one of the new Houston stores yourself – or a local Dick’s Sporting Goods if you don’t live in the Houston area. (Find your nearest store here, and go check ’em out regardless.)

Heather D

Allison Swain

Sarah Hayes

October 30, 2016

I will buy a squat rack and weights!! gotta make sure i can keep going with these gains this winter when its too cold to workout in my friends shop. itd be nice to have weights at my house for those times.